Built in the early 18th century, this magnificent space captures the spirit of Ireland’s library history – a place where knowledge, learning, research, art, and heritage come together under one breathtaking vaulted ceiling.
Stretching an impressive 65 metres in length, the Long Room has inspired countless visitors, scholars, and artists from around the world. It stands today as a symbol of Dublin’s literary tradition and is often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful libraries.
The Long Room is a masterpiece of architecture and scholarship, a cornerstone of Ireland’s history and one of the most admired cultural landmarks in Dublin. For over three centuries, it has inspired writers, scholars, researchers and visitors from across the world, standing in the grand heart of Trinity College Dublin’s Old Library.
Origins and Design
Construction of the Long Room was completed in 1732, and originally featured a flat ceiling and single level shelving. Designed by Thomas Burgh, the building echoed the classical style of great European libraries. Forty alcoves lined with oak shelves created the first structured storage for Trinity College Dublin’s growing collections. Books and manuscripts were transferred from the Old Library, but they filled only a small section of the building’s space. Over time the Long Room became home to Trinity College Dublin’s oldest books, including precious early editions that trace Ireland’s academic and cultural evolution.
By the 1840s, the university was receiving thousands of books annually, mainly through the 1801 Copyright Act, which granted Trinity College Dublin a copy of every book published in the UK and Ireland. To house the growing collections, the roof was raised, and the famous barrel vaulted ceiling was added in 1861, creating the soaring chamber that visitors see today. New upper galleries, transverse bookcases, and hidden storage beneath the windows greatly expanded capacity, allowing the Long Room to hold 200,000 volumes.
The marble sculpture collection began in 1743, forming Ireland’s oldest continuous series of sculpted portraits, featuring philosophers, writers and key figures in scholarship.
The Long Room’s iconic arches and ancient oak bookshelves have made it one of the most recognisable library interiors in the world. Its look often inspires filmmakers, designers and fans.
The Long Room never featured in the Harry Potter films, but its design is so similar to Hogwarts’ library that it’s frequently mistaken for it.
The Long Room was not used in Star Wars: Episode II. The resemblance is coincidental, though many visitors notice the visual similarity.
Thanks to its striking architecture and deep roots in Ireland’s library history, the Long Room continues to influence popular culture and remains one of the most photographed and admired library spaces in Dublin.
The sculptures are of the great philosophers and writers of the western world and also of those connected with Trinity College Dublin, both famous and lesser known. The finest sculpture in the collection is of the writer Jonathon Swift, created by Louis Francois Roubiliac. To celebrate St Brigid’s Day and to pay tribute to the scholarship of four revolutionary women in 2023, Trinity College Dublin welcomed four new sculptures to the collection of 40, all of which were sculptures of men at the time. These sculptures represented the mathematician Ada Lovelace, the scientist Rosalind Franklin, the pioneering women’s rights advocate Mary Wollstonecraft and the dramatist and theatre founder Augusta Gregory. Their addition to the male dominated collection of sculptures in the Long Room symbolised a step towards better representation of diversity in the college.
Your visit to the Long Room is included as part of the Book of Kells Experience with timed entry slots. It is strongly recommended to book your ticket in advance. Guided tours are available, or you can listen to the free audio guide.
The Old Library, Long Room, and Red Pavilion are fully wheelchair accessible, with staff assistance available if required. There is no luggage storage in the building, so ensure that any bags you have with you are easy to carry around throughout the duration of the tour. Photography is allowed in most areas, except in the Book of Kells or the Treasury. Use of flash or tripods is not permitted. Toilets are located inside the Red Pavilion or in the Arts Building.
The Old Library is in the heart of Trinity College Dublin, which can be easily reached by foot from central Dublin. You can also combine your visit with a Trinity Trails walking tour and save €7.50.
The Long Room Library is the main chamber of Trinity College Dublin’s Old Library. A cornerstone of Ireland’s history, famed for its 18th century design and stunning interior.
Yes. The Long Room is included in the Book of Kells Experience ticket and remains open to visitors.
Yes, both are part of Trinity College Dublin’s historic Old Library and are included in the Book of Kells Experience ticket.
Hear from people who have visited the Long Room in the Old Library. Learn about highlights from other visitors, and book your ticket today!
